Dark Heaven Village
After returning to the base, Mangnyang gathered the mutated beings separately and said,
“Members of the Thunder God Sect, please wait in hiding for a while. I will look into methods for healing the mutation.”
Then, Lee Kwang glanced at me and said,
“You should accompany him.”
“Sure.”
Lee Kwang knew about my connection with Mangnyang and seemed to be sending me along for information. I carried a large box containing the mutated beings back over the castle wall under the cover of night. The guards were already incapacitated with anesthesia, so we went unnoticed. When Mangnyang saw me arrive with the box, he looked surprised and asked,
“Isn’t it heavy?”
Although it was a large wooden box containing seven people, I felt as light as a feather and nodded absentmindedly. Mangnyang admired my internal strength once again and said,
“Let’s move quickly before we draw attention.”
“Where are we headed?”
“To my teacher.”
I had expected that would be the plan. Following Mangnyang, I carried the box toward a nearby village. After hiding the Heavenly Secret Manual in a pine forest, I entered the village where Cheon Woo-jin resided. This place was indeed the hidden sanctuary of Master Mangnyang and Cheon Woo-jin.
Upon setting foot in the village, Cheon Woo-jin seemed to have strengthened his Illusion Barrier, as a thick fog immediately began to swirl around us. Through the mist, Cheon Woo-jin approached, irritably saying,
“You’re back again?”
“Yep, back again.”
“You really are a bother. Just go away.”
Mangnyang spoke to Cheon Woo-jin.
“Master, please open the way. This is a serious matter, and I need your opinion.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Cheon Woo-jin glared at me with a displeased look but eventually lowered the barrier and teleported us to the front of Master Mangnyang‘s shrine. Within this village, it seemed he wielded the kind of power akin to a god.
“Open the box.”
As Mangnyang instructed, I opened the box and laid out the mutated beings one by one. He then spoke strongly to the invisible Master Mangnyang.
“Master, as you can see, these humans have been poisoned by the dark magic, turning them into minions of the Evil God. They are innocent people, and this evidence suggests that ancient entities are directly interfering in this world. Please help us.”
Silence lingered for a while.
‘Um…?’
Suddenly, Mangnyang staggered and collapsed. I felt a heavy wave of drowsiness wash over me too, causing me to stagger and fall to the ground. Overwhelming drowsiness struck, leaving me unable to resist. I was dumbfounded, but there was no time to think as I lost consciousness right there.
In the world of dreams.
I had been here before.
This time, from across a stream, a black cat walked toward me. It glanced at me and said,
[I am Master Mangnyang.]
“……”
[You’re not surprised. I figured as much.]
Master Mangnyang replied as if anticipating my reaction and leaped onto a nearby stone wall, curling up like a round ball as he continued,
[To get rid of their mutation, you must eliminate the caster at the source of the curse.]
“You mean I have to kill the caster?”
[Otherwise, a skilled sorcerer will need to create an altar to expel the blessings of the Evil God, which would take at least ten years.]
I was incredulous and said,
“Wait, is that a blessing? Did you misspeak?”
How could something that turned humans into monsters with wriggling tentacles be considered a blessing? It looked like nothing but a horrific curse. Then, Master Mangnyang yawned and flicked his tail.
[To humans, it’s a curse, but to the Evil God, it is undoubtedly a blessing. Unlike other ancient entities, the Evil God does not recklessly increase its minions. While fewer in number, each is powerfully immortal and can wield exceptional sorcery. If they transform completely into descendants of the Evil God, they are guaranteed everlasting life alongside enhanced magical abilities, which is why those humanoids desperately crave that blessing.]
“……”
I looked at Master Mangnyang suspiciously and asked,
“So, what are we going to do?”
[What do you think?]
“What are you talking about? Mangnyang said it’s evidence of the existence of these entities in this world. Are you not going to intervene?”
[That’s exactly what I told you.]
Master Mangnyang slowly walked down the stone steps.
[You handle it yourself. I’ve shared all the information I can.]
“What? You’re not going to step in?”
[You’re quite persistent…]
“You have incredible power! If you wanted, you could wipe out the Golden Eagle Guards with a single blow; why not?”
When I pressed for an answer, Master Mangnyang fell silent for a moment. He then walked over to the stream and lapped up some water before saying,
[What difference would it make if I eliminated the Golden Eagle Guards and struck at Demon Subduing Hall?]
“What?”
It seemed Master Mangnyang already knew this term for Demon Subduing Hall. Mangnyang must have mentioned it. Continuing, Master Mangnyang said,
[Those in Demon Subduing Hall have a long history as a sect of gods. They have been around since the Era of Shadows. They’ve had countless confrontations with the Heavenly Realm, and each time the Heavenly Realm came charging, they exterminated the demons and monsters in front of them. The swordmaster who blessed you, Yeodong-bin, achieved his fame by slaying Evil Beasts madly as he ascended the ranks to win the Leadership of the Four Sects.
But this battle will never end; it cannot end and will not end. Because the source of Demon Subduing Hall is a greater existence.]
“Are you saying an ancient ruler created Demon Subduing Hall?”
[That’s not it.]
Master Mangnyang gazed at the sky.
[A much larger existence…]
“……?”
[I have no strength left to waste on pesky little creeps like the Golden Eagle Guards. I’m using everything just to keep them restrained.]
Feeling that Master Mangnyang was weary, he sighed and rolled over in the grass, saying,
[So, you need to take action. I can offer advice.]
“Okay, can I just ask three questions?”
Master Mangnyang shook his head.
[I refuse. I will not answer.]
“This is ridiculous… You said you’d give me advice!”
[Advice isn’t the same as answering questions. It’s up to me.]
“……”
After thinking for a moment, I tried to speak, but Master Mangnyang cut in first.
[I won’t entertain even one question. Don’t push it.]
“Damn it, can you read my mind?”
[It’s obvious what you’re thinking.]
“Then what kind of advice are you planning to give me?”
Suddenly, Master Mangnyang jumped up onto the roof. He moved in a cute rhythm and sang,
[Hang in there, hang in there! Hang in there like a newborn’s strength!]
“……”
This little guy was really something, not just a cat, but a real nuisance. I couldn’t believe Mangnyang had come from something like this. While grinding my teeth in annoyance, Master Mangnyang said,
[If that’s the case, I’ll give you one piece of advice: Use the Five Fire Seven Bird Fan wisely.]
“What?”
And suddenly, I felt like Master Mangnyang was drifting away, and my body became weightless.
Coming to my senses, I found Mangnyang asleep beside me. As I sat up, organizing my thoughts, Mangnyang woke up soon after, looking quite surprised.
“Why did my teacher communicate through a dream this time?”
“……”
“Anyway, we both received advice. So let’s get going.”
“Yeah, we should.”
After leaving with Mangnyang, I sought out the Heavenly Secret Manual. We arrived in front of Luoyang and I said,
“To sum it all up, we need to defeat the creature residing in the depths of Dae Lei Ok to revert the mutated beings to their original forms.”
“I heard that too.”
“But that’s going to be a challenge now.”
“Why?”
“Because Lee Kwang seriously injured the Golden Eagle Guards‘ commander, disrupting their control system; it’s now easier to infiltrate Dae Lei Ok. Although we’ve secured an escape route, normally there would be at least ten thousand troops guarding the area, so it would have been no surprise. However, since we’ve already entered once, it’s likely to have their defenses heightened even more now.”
“……”
It was a dire situation.
To save General Hwang Yeon and the other mutated beings, we needed to go to the depths of Dae Lei Ok and take down the source of magic; however, we would face an impenetrable defense, making even a frontal assault impossible. On the flip side, they might not bother guarding a spot that has already been breached, but it also drastically increased the difficulty.
I asked,
“So what do we do if we have to go?”
“Hmm…”
At that moment, Miho suddenly appeared beside us using her teleportation technique. She spoke bluntly,
“What’s the plan? This is where it ends.”
“……!!”
“I’ve had an uneasy feeling from the beginning. I can’t let you put Baek Woong in danger any further.”
I quickly said,
“Hold on, Miho! It’s not over yet. If we defeat the creature in the depths of Dae Lei Ok, we can turn the tide!”
“In my view, that creature’s power is on par with mine. It’s a formidable enemy with intelligence surpassing humans. How do you plan to fight such a being and not get cursed in the process?”
“Then you can join me!”
“Are you out of your mind? My magic revolves around illusions and flames. I can’t help you with that! Besides, I won’t expose you to any more danger.”
Swish…
Suddenly, Miho unfolded her Spiritual Puppet paper. The floating puppet split and surrounded me and Mangnyang. When I quickly pulled my sword to tear apart the puppet, she fixed me with a fierce gaze.
“Ugh.”
I couldn’t move. Miho marveled,
“You truly are Baek Woong. To withstand my illusionary magic is impressive.”
“Stop this! If I fall into your spell, the Bancheon Alliance and Thunder God Sect will all die.”
“What do I care?”
Miho stepped closer, gently caressing my jawline. Her eyes were filled with longing and obsession.
“Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong have already lost their spirits. Dragging this situation out won’t guarantee any future for you. I want to ensure your survival.”
“So if I just defeat the creature…”
“You talk about creatures, but what will you gain at the end of all this hardship? Wouldn’t it be better for you to leave the Central Plains and live your life?”
Muttering with irritation, Miho began to stroke my chest. Leaning her face closer, she said,
“Let’s not complicate things. Let’s find a quiet place where no one knows us. Just the two of us, peacefully…”
“No, that can’t happen.”
“If it can’t, then I’ll make it happen.”
The gaze of the nine-tailed fox stared directly at me.
Poof!
I felt Miho’s illusion seep deep into my spirit. My mind felt like it would explode, and I was overwhelmed by an urge to touch her. An uncontrollable desire surged, far surpassing anything I had felt before, as I felt the burning heat rising from my core.
“Hah… heh…”
“Stop!”
Mangnyang shouted, but he too seemed unable to move due to the binding magic. Miho turned a cold glance at him and said,
“Shut up. I would spare you because you think Baek Woong would grieve, but if you act up, I’ll kill you for real.”
“Ugh…”
“Goodbye then. You all deal with your fight, heh heh.”
Miho slid her delicate fingers along my supple skin.
“I’ll always be with you.”
I felt her kiss on my lips, and my heart raced as the urge to lay her down overwhelmed me. My body reacted instantly, the heat of desire throbbing within me. Memories of the past flashed through my mind.
I want this.
‘No… no… that can’t be…’
I want to be with a woman.
I have held it in for too long.
I want to undress Miho and enjoy her beautiful body, plunge into her sweet bliss. I want to experience the joy of releasing all my energy into a woman at the peak of pleasure.
It’s instinct.
‘No…!!’
I screamed deep within, filled with wretched despair.
How did I end up here? There’s still so much I haven’t achieved! I can’t throw my life away over a moment of desire. I don’t want to live with regrets for decades!
So, gritting my teeth, I finally shouted,
“Then let Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong go!”
“What…?”
Miho jumped back, surprised by my shout. That jolt diminished the hold of her spell, and I grasped my thoughts again. I coughed and said,
“You said you were worried for my life, right? Then I won’t go! Let Jin So-cheong and Lee Kwang go to defeat it, and we can see the results!”
“Oh…?”
“Miho, you simply dislike what’s happening here. Don’t make excuses for me!”
When I shouted fiercely, Miho looked dumbfounded.
Mangnyang, standing beside me, chimed in,
“If the outcome isn’t good, I will disband the Bancheon Alliance and live as a commoner. If this goes wrong, there’s no future for us.”
Miho contemplated for a moment and then said,
“… Alright, if you really want it that way. But if Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong fail, that’ll be the end. I’ll take Baek Woong away then.”
“Do as you please when that time comes.”
It seemed that the negotiations with Miho had succeeded.
As I returned to the base, I sighed in relief,
‘Phew… that was close…’
I almost fell into Miho’s spell and ended up living a dreamy life far away, wasting a lifetime in oblivion. The time wasted and the toll on my mind would have been enormous. Yet, with the realization that Miho had a strong obsession with me, I felt an odd mix of feelings of luxury and confusion. Her emotions were not something that would appear simply due to challenges of returning to the celestial realm.
Once back at base, I called upon the Thunder God Sect to make a proposal. Mangnyang cautiously persuaded Lee Kwang.
“… So, if we manage to take down that creature in the depths, there’s a chance we can revert General Hwang Yeon back to normal.”
“Is that really true?”
“Indeed. It’s what my teacher assured.”
“… But that place is heavily fortified like never before.”
Whoosh!
Suddenly, Lee Kwang brandished his spear and pointed it at Mangnyang’s throat. I jumped in shock and exclaimed,
“Master!”
Lee Kwang showed no change in his expression as he said,
“Lord of Bancheon Alliance, are you willing to wager your life?”
“Of course.”
“Your gaze reflects your sincerity. However, I still cannot trust you.”
Muttering this, Lee Kwang called over Geuk Ho.
“Geuk Ho!”
“Yes, Master.”
“You are to behead Lord of Bancheon Alliance Mangnyang if Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong do not return within a day.”
Clang!
At that moment, the members of the Bancheon Alliance surrounding us all drew their weapons simultaneously. A terrifying aura pressed down on the scene. However, Mangnyang gestured for them to put their weapons away and said,
“I accept that proposal.”
“I apologize for my rudeness. However, I can’t trust you completely yet.”
“I understand. That thoroughness is not unlike the nature of the Azure Dragon.”
With a bitter smile, Mangnyang added,
“However, I’d like to help; could you take this?”
Swish!
Mangnyang extended the Five Fire Seven Bird Fan he had. When Lee Kwang glanced at it, Mangnyang softly said,
“Simply possessing it will allow you to withstand one of the creature’s magical spells.”
“Did you not just hear my words? You think I’d accept something so suspicious?”
“Understand, we are not the only ones risking our lives. We are too.”
“……”
Lee Kwang fell silent but ultimately accepted the Five Fire Seven Bird Fan. It seemed Mangnyang’s charisma had swayed him. He muttered,
“I don’t mind someone with charisma.”
“Master.”
“Follow me, Jin So-cheong. Let’s go defeat that creature.”
“Yes.”
“And Baek Woong, you come too.”
I shook my head.
“I think my abilities are insufficient. I will remain here to protect.”
“Is that so?”
Swish!
“Ugh…!!”
I was taken aback when Lee Kwang suddenly lunged at me. I unleashed the Mansung Sword Technique in defense, managing to fend off his attack for precisely thirty seconds with my internal power. Just as I noticed a flash of interest in Lee Kwang’s eyes, he rapidly attacked.
Swish! Swish! Cling!
Suddenly, a jolt of intense pain surged in my wrist, sending my sword flying from my grasp. I managed to block the attack, but it was evident that Lee Kwang intended to disarm me from the start. Even without my sword, I activated Lightning Shadow Protection to dodge while using Thunder Cloud Form to counter Lee Kwang’s rapid blows. Lee Kwang was astonished and said,
“You’ve improved quite a bit. At this level, you could likely best three of the Golden Eagle Guards.”
Swish!
But the skill disparity was undeniable. Before long, Lee Kwang’s spear tip was against my throat, rendering me submissive. His cold voice fell heavily,
“I cannot easily trust you just because you’re close with the Lord of Bancheon Alliance.”
“Master… that’s…”
“Prove your loyalty by allowing me to bind you completely until your return.”
“…Understood.”
I had no choice but to allow Lee Kwang to cast the Golden Eagle Guards’ binding technique over my entire body. While I had vast internal energy, breaking free would imply betraying Lee Kwang.
I had no choice but to sit still.
One of the elite warriors of Bancheon Alliance watching the scene shouted furiously,
“You’re truly arrogant! We’re all risking our lives, and yet you can act so freely?”
Lee Kwang coldly replied,
“You’re all talk. Many who claimed they’d gamble all have backstabbed us.”
“……”
“Trusting the Lord of Bancheon Alliance is already my own sincerity.”
Whoosh!
Then, Lee Kwang and Jin So-cheong departed again. Yoon Gwang, Ji Pyeong, and Geuk Ho all leveled their weapons at Mangnyang. The Bancheon Alliance members were unable to charge forth due to the pressure from Thunder God Sect experts threatening Mangnyang’s life.
I, bound from speaking, shouted at Geuk Ho.
“Older Brother, don’t do anything rash!”
“……”
Geuk Ho shifted his gaze toward me momentarily before replying while still aiming his weapon,
“I find the Bancheon Alliance members incredibly charming and compelling. They have a strong sense of virtue and chivalry. When we brought back the survivors, they genuinely cared for the Virtuous Flower Goddess.”
Geuk Ho gripped his spear tighter and added,
“But that’s just my personal opinion. Lee Kwang, the leader of the Thunder God Sect, is the only one who can take revenge on the Wind God Sect. His command is absolute. If Lee Kwang does not return within a day, I will carry out his orders.”
Clang!
At that moment, one of the Bancheon Alliance warriors glared at him.
“Don’t delude yourself. You think you can kill Mangnyang? If so, you’d all die!”
“Perhaps, but I don’t have any chance of surviving here either.”
With a sad voice, Geuk Ho declared,
“Eventually, that’s the life of a martial artist. Neither I, Yoon Gwang, nor Ji Pyeong can defy the current flow.”
I was at a loss for words.
The loyalty and determination of those three outshone anything commonly displayed in any martial clan. Just demanding such loyalty from disciples of well-known sects would likely nudge many toward betrayal, even if their leader’s orders were held in high regard. To unhesitatingly stake their lives on an unworthy command is a testament to the solid bond of the Thunder God Sect.
‘So this is the power of the Sacred Lotus Cult that once dominated the Four Great Warriors.’
I pondered,
What should I do from here on? Should I sit back and watch, or is there another way?
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